Categories: Stories

Cyclone Idai kills 31 in Zimbabwe

The vicious Cyclone Idai which has badly hit Madagascar and Mozambique has spilled into Zimbabwe killing 31 people so far. It has killed more than 140 people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has travelled to the United Arab Emirates said rescue operations were under way to help those stranded.

“My thoughts & prayers are with all those affected by Cyclone Idai,” he said in a twitter message.

“Rescue operations are underway & we are grateful for the bravery of the men & women of the Zimbabwean armed forces who, along with our local & international partners, are participating in the urgent rescue efforts.”

The Ministry of Information said Chimanimani was the worst affected area and two Command Centres have been established at Mhandarume Centre for those rescued from Chimanimani and Christine School for those from the Rusitu area.

The ministry said the army is moving in from Chipinge to rescue 197 pupils from Charles Luwanga so they can take them to Mhandarume.

“This a very challenging operation as it’s being undertaken as a ground effort because of unsafe weather conditions for air efforts. We will keep the nation updated,” the ministry said.

“Consignments of supplies are being ferried to the affected areas in Chimanimani. These include buckets, tarpaulins, boxes of laundry soap, Jerry cans, boxes of bath soap, nets and raincoats to be used by volunteers.

“Govt wishes to discourage any efforts to cross flooded rivers by individuals. We are receiving tragic reports of some people being swept away. We urge patience as rescue is on its way. Let us not have avoidable loss of human life. We have lost 31 Zimbabweans to #CycloneIdai.”

(385 VIEWS)

Charles Rukuni

The Insider is a political and business bulletin about Zimbabwe, edited by Charles Rukuni. Founded in 1990, it was a printed 12-page subscription only newsletter until 2003 when Zimbabwe's hyper-inflation made it impossible to continue printing.

Recent Posts

Will Mnangagwa go against the trend in the region?

Plans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front to push President Emmerson Mnangagwa to…

October 22, 2024

The Zimbabwe government and not saboteurs sabotaging ZiG

The Zimbabwe government’s insatiable demand for money to satisfy its own needs, which has exceeded…

October 20, 2024

The Zimbabwe Gold will regain its value if the government does this…

Economist Eddie Cross says the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) will regain its value if the government…

October 16, 2024

Is Harare the least democratic province in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, which is a metropolitan province, is the least democratic province in the…

October 11, 2024

Zimbabweans against extension of presidential term in office

Nearly 80% of Zimbabweans are against the extension of the president’s term in office, according…

October 11, 2024

Zimbabwe government biggest loser when there is a discrepancy in the exchange rate

The government is the biggest loser when there is a discrepancy between the official exchange…

October 10, 2024